In recent years, the frequency of forest fires has emerged as a significant threat to rural communities. Exacerbated by dry conditions, these fires have the potential to spread rapidly, putting rural areas at considerable risk.
In an effort to address this pressing issue and raise awareness among the communities of Bokod and Itogon about the dangers posed by forest fires, SN Aboitiz Power-Benguet (SNAP-Benguet), in collaboration with the National Power Corporation (NPC), organized a comprehensive three-day training session on Forest Fire Response and First Aid & Basic Life Support from February 14-16, 2024.
The training, which included simulated exercises, was conducted by seasoned professionals from the Bureau of Fire (BFP), NPC-Upper Agno Watershed Area Team (UARWAT), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), specifically tailored for the residents of Itogon and Bokod, host municipalities of SNAP-Benguet’s Ambuklao and Binga hydroelectric power plants.
Throughout the three-day program, experts elaborated on the devastating consequences of forest fires and led practical sessions aimed at equipping participants with the requisite skills to respond effectively, including basic first aid techniques.
Forester Benjamin Kimmayong, the UARWAT Watershed Management Chief, underscored the significance of adopting an Incident Command System (ICS) and Quick Response Team (QRT) to manage and suppress forest fires, as outlined in the Community-Based Forest Fire Protection and Management Plan in the Upper Agno Watershed. He emphasized the need for developing a comprehensive forest fire incident database and a common operational map, incorporating firelines and natural fuel breaks, to be shared with all stakeholders. Kimmayong highlighted the adverse impact of uncontrolled forest fires on both communities and biodiversity.
According to a recent report by the Philippine News Agency, more than 20 forest fires have been recorded in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) since January 2024, including incidents in the villages of Itogon and Bokod.
Since January, SNAP-Benguet has been collaborating with the local government units of the affected host communities, the BFP, NPC, and other responders to contain forest fires in the area. As per its technical agreement with NPC on forest fire protection within the 2.5-kilometer area starting from the high water mark of the Ambuklao and Binga reservoirs, SNAP-Benguet has been closely monitoring fire suppression activities and providing assistance such as fuel and food.
Water from the Ambuklao and Binga reservoirs has been utilized for fire suppression activities by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
Mike Hosillos, SNAP Group’s Chief Operations Officer, expressed hope that the training would raise awareness and empower communities to take proactive measures in preventing forest fires. Early detection and containment, he stressed, are crucial in preventing the spread of fires, minimizing damage, and mitigating the risks of injury and loss of life. SNAP-Benguet, in collaboration with community partners, aims to build a collective defense against forest fires, ensuring the safety of people, livelihoods, and the environment.
